[Edaily Reporter KIM HYE-SEON ] It has been revealed that public officials who stepped down following the local elections last June bought shares in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, while selling their holdings in Kakao, during the first half of this year.

On the 29th, Edaily used artificial intelligence (AI) to convert the asset details of 1,259 individuals—as disclosed in the September interim asset registration reports released by the Government Ethics Committee—into data and compiled the status of their holdings and trades by stock.

Among them, the analysis examined changes in stock holdings from January of this year through the date of retirement for 685 individuals whose data could be compared to previous declarations. Of these 685, 637 were retirees who stepped down due to local elections or other reasons.

Samsung Electronics: 165 Increased Holdings vs. 49 Decreased Holdings

The most heavily held stock was Samsung Electronics. A total of 165 people increased their holdings of Samsung Electronics stock in their own or their family members’ names—more than three times the number who reduced their holdings (49). Among those who increased their holdings, 142 had not previously held Samsung Electronics stock and added it to their portfolios for the first time.
The concentration on SK Hynix was even more pronounced. Ninety-two people increased their holdings, and 86 of them were new buyers. Only 14 people reduced their holdings.

In contrast, more people reduced their holdings of Kakao (26) than increased them (17). Of the 26 who reduced their holdings, 24 sold all of their shares. Similarly, 34 people reduced their holdings of Tesla, and 25 of them sold their entire positions.
However, it is difficult to conclude that those who sold Kakao shares immediately switched to Samsung Electronics. Of the 26 who reduced their Kakao holdings, only 10 increased their holdings of Samsung Electronics.

Samsung Electronics was also the most popular choice among the 558 newly appointed public officials subject to disclosure. A total of 199 held Samsung Electronics shares in their own or their family members’ names, followed by NVIDIA (119), Tesla (117), and SK Hynix (103).

Valuation of Retirees’ Stock Holdings Jumps from 32 Billion to 61.4 Billion in Six Months

The assessed value of stocks also rose significantly. The total assessed value of listed stocks reported by retirees nearly doubled, rising from 32 billion won to 61.4 billion won. Among the 452 retirees holding stocks, 342 saw an increase in the assessed value of their holdings. This figure reflects both newly purchased shares and changes in stock prices.
Former North Gyeongsang Provincial Council member Park Gyu-tak is a prime example. Former Councilman Park newly acquired 880 shares of SK Hynix in his own name and increased his holding of Samsung Electronics by 500 shares. His spouse also purchased 3,160 new shares of Samsung Electronics. Former Councilman Park’s assets increased by 3.8 billion won compared to the previous disclosure, marking the largest increase among those subject to this disclosure.
Meanwhile, retirees are required to report changes in their assets from January 1 of that year through their retirement date within two months of their retirement. This disclosure will be their final asset disclosure.